Rebecca Ross

Rebecca Dinkins Ross, 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, following a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on April 6, 1948, in Indianapolis, Rebecca lived a life defined by love, resilience, laughter, and devotion to family. She was always surrounded by the love of her family.

Rebecca is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Lanny Ross; her loving children, Shane (Julia) Benson, Meredith (David) Romley, and Gage Benson; her stepchildren, Sherri, Dean (Cheryl), and the late Michael Ross; she was also preceded in death by her brother, S. Kirk Dinkins III.

She was the cherished “Gram” to Alexis, Lydia, Calvin, Evelyn, Sylvia, Vivian, Joseph, Octavia, JD, Brandon, and Deana all of whom brought immense joy and meaning to her life. She is also remembered by her nieces, Laura and Nicole.

Rebecca attended Indiana University and went on to build a long and successful career in property management, first with North American Van Lines and later retiring from Fort Wayne International Airport.

Born with a vibrant spirit and boundless energy, Rebecca loved dancing as a child and carried that enthusiasm for life with her always. She loved working out at the gym, teaching yoga, taking long walks at Ramsey Creek Park with her beloved dog Winnie, and volunteering at the local food bank.

Her happiest place on earth was “the cottage,” the beloved family home on Bass Lake in Pentwater, where she spent summers since childhood. The cottage represented far more than a home to Rebecca — it was a place of tradition: game playing, s’mores, boat rides, beach walks, early morning chats, family dinners, laughter, and love. Rebuilding and preserving that special place for her children and grandchildren became one of her greatest joys and proudest legacies, ensuring generations of family memories for years to come.

Even throughout her illness, Rebecca remained remarkably positive, vibrant, and full of life. Her infectious spirit, optimism, and ability to find joy in everyday moments never left her. She continued to smile, laugh, encourage others, and focus on the people she loved right up until the very end. Her strength and grace through adversity inspired everyone around her.

A family-focused celebration of Rebecca’s life will be held this summer at the cottage on Bass Lake.

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